After That

i know i know my second rule about Bloggin' was: i'll be Blogging min, twice @ week but you know, the work, the parties, and why not? the ladies huh?

Well this Post it's OLDIE OLDIE but i was reading it in a course [Security Course] and it's time to Share it, Enjoy:

After reading the feedback from our readers here and at various websites around the world in regards to my recently published article "How to Quit Windows & cope with Windows Withdrawal Syndrome", I have identified a few more fears which home users have when they quit Windows and switch to Linux.

I believe that Microsoft has gained a strong hold in our minds based upon many myths and fears which I already discussed in my above mentioned article. These myths are fears will haunt us for ages until we openly accept and adopt the freedom of Open Source, even with some of its apparent shortcomings.

Following are a few myths and facts which play a role in whether a home user shifts from Windows to GNU/Linux.

Availability of Linux CDs/DVDs

Availability counts here in Pakistan, if not abroad, where people have DSL and cable internet at home. People find it really difficult to get Linux CDs from the market here and they can't download it due to bandwidth issues. They prefer to purchase pirated MS Windows CDs for less than a dollar, rather than looking for every newly released version of the different Linux distributions. Purchasing customized Linux CDs is also a costly option as, compared to abroad, the cost of broadband is too high here in Pakistan.

I am positive that this issue is also prevalent in other developing countries as well, thus the best alternate to get Linux CDs, rather than to surrender to pirated copies of MS Windows, is to consultShipIt from Ubuntu and Free Linux Disks - Linux CDs and DVDs. They send Linux CDs free of cost to your door step.

Familiarity

People take Linux as an alien operating system, compared to Windows. Average home users seek an operating system which is the same at both their workplace and their home. They find Linux incompatible with Windows programs and perceive it as a handicap.

This is a valid point due to the prolonged dependence on Windows, in the face of the non-availability of a working alternative.

I feel we need to concentrate more in telling them that Linux will do both their office work and accomplish their home computing requirements in far better way than Windows. When people use Linux, familiarity will not be an issue any more.

KDE is a best alternate gui for Windows home users who have switched over to Linux and feel nostalgic for Windows based programs.

Linux is hard to learn and handle

Most of the Windows users believe that it's just not that easy to quit Windows and switch over to GNU/Linux. They don't like change, spending time reading about how to install and operate a new operating system; they just want it to work for them out of the box. They perceive Linux as too hard to configure and learn.

These perceptions have their roots in the Windows .exe, and "click, run and install" type programs, though recent major Linux distributions have gone a long way towards eliminating this problem.

Linux does not require a ridiculous amount of time to be installed nowadays. GUI installers and system management tools on all the latest Linux distributions are very good, making it easier to install Linux, as compared to Windows.

If we spend a little time learning few basic things about Linux we will live a more peaceful home computing life, rather than fighting with swarms of security threats for Windows, installing Anti Virus, Anti Spyware and Anti Trojan programs, updating them, and then downloading the countless numbers of new security patches each day.

Linux Games

One of the major concerns that home users have is about games on GNU/Linux which they could play on windows.

GNU/Linux distributions like SuperGamer and the linuX-gamers Live DVD have solved this issue by providing some of the latest 3D, Arcade and other type games. Other major Linux distributions e.g.Sabayon Linux offer a huge collection of games for home users.

Security

People believe that viruses and spyware are also an issue with GNU/Linux operating systems. But the fact is that Linux is far more secure and resistant to viruses, worms and other types of malicious attacks than Microsoft Windows.

The following precautions will add to the security measures needed to be taken by GNU/Linux home users.

1. Currently, nearly all Linux distributions are equipped with a firewall package and if the Linux distribution in use lacks one, using the included package manager, one can install the open source FireStarter firewall . Only turn on the services you need and secure your Internet ports by activating a firewall. 
   
2. It is mandatory that you keep up with the security patches. Make sure to click on the update icon whenever it notifies you of a new security or software patch. (it's quick and painless, so do it)
   
3. Have a password management tool activated and a boot password required for the computer. Only login as root when needed for system management. 
   
4. Antivirus and antispyware applications on Linux are available both in open source projects such as Clam Antivirus and several third-party tools such a F-Prot, AVG Internet Security, Avast Antivirus and Vira AntiVir Personal Edition Classic offer additional security to a home computer running any GNU/Linux distribution. (these aren’t currently needed, but it doesn’t hurt to have them)

I am still very optimistic that GNU/Linux has much more to offer under the umbrella of Open Source. All we need is to adopt Linux and preach Linux in order to fight the indoctrination of the MS religion, as one reader stated in his response, and let Linux prevail for our coming generations.

My Favourite Linux Distro:

DEBIAN

http://www.debian.org/CD/http-ftp/#stable